Electric snap switches of the double-pole type



Aug. 13, 1935. A. w. KRIEGER 2,011,293

ELECTRIC SNAP SWITCHES OF THE DOUBLE POLE TYPE Filed Sept. 12, 1934 2Sheets-Sheet 1 Insulafion 5 r 5 4 I9 i 16 42 53 mi 2 z, r J9 ELECTRICSNAP SWITCHES OF THE DOUBLE POLE TYPE Filed Sept. 12, 1954 2Sheets-Sheet 2 Insulation Patented Aug. 13, 1935 UNITED STATES ELECTRICSNAP SWITCHES OF THE DOUBLE-POLE TYPE Alvin W. Krieger, Milwaukee, Wis.,assignor to Cutler-Hammer, Inc.,

poration of Delaware Milwaukee, Wis., a cor- Application September 12,1934, Serial No. 743,637

14 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in electric snap switches of thedouble-pole type.

An object of the invention is to improve and simplify the constructionand assembly of the parts of double-pole snap switches of the toggletype.

Another object is to provide acommon group of different switch partswhich may be employed to construct switches of the aforementionedcharacter for either single-circuit or two-circuit control.

Another object is to provide novel forms of wiring terminal elements forsuch switches.

Another object is to provide switch contacts and contactors of improvedform.

Another object is to provide novel means for supporting and actuatingthe movable contactors of the switch.

Another object is to provide a novel form of cover for certain of thewiring terminal elements of the switch.

Another object is to provide for alternative use of different forms ofwiring terminal elements in switches of the aforementioned character.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter appear.

The accompanying drawings illustrate several embodiments of theinvention which will now be described, it being understood that theembodiments illustrated are susceptible of modification as to certaindetails of construction thereof without departing from the scope of theappended claims.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a top plan view of the molded insulatingbase and the contact and terminal elements required to provide adouble-pole switch of the single-circuit controlling type, asconstructed in accordance with my invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view, on the broken line 22 of Fig. 1,and showing other of the switch parts in assembled position.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view, on the line 3-3 of Fig. l, butshowing the contactors in position, and showing the interlockingconnection between said contactors and the insulating abutment memberfor the actuating spring.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view, in separated relation, of certain of theswitch parts shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3.

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view of a switch of the two-circuit typeas constructed in accordance with my inventicn,-the wiring termirfalelements at the ends and at the bottom of the switch being of thebinding screw type.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view, partly in vertical section and partly inelevation, of a two-circuit, double-pole snap switch having all of thewiring terminals thereof concealed.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the molded insulating cover member forthe bottom wiring terminals shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a unit comprising a pair of the switchcontactors and a body of insulation molded thereabout.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a modified form of contactor supportingmember having an endwiring terminal element formed integrally therewith.

Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view on the line l0lil of Fig. 5.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view, in separated relation, of a modified formof stationary contact and end-wiring terminal element therefor, and

Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view showing the manner inwhich the parts illustrated in Fig. 11 are united.

Referring first to the device shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the numeral l5designates the base, which may be molded from any suitable electricalinsulating material,--as, for instance, a phenolformaldehydecondensation product. Fig. 1 is drawn to a scale of approximately twicethe actual dimensions of the switch. Base I5 is preferably ofsubstantially rectangular contour, and as shown the same is providedwith a substantially rectangular main recess I6 and four substantiallyrectangular auxiliary recesses l1, I8, l9, and 20,said auxiliaryrecesses being arranged at the respective corners of the base and beingseparated from the main recess l6 by the end walls of the latter.

The end walls of recess l6 are provided with longitudinally alined pairsof notches 2|, 22 and 23, 24, and the bottom wall of recess I6 isprovided with a pair of rectangular openings 25 and 26 (Fig. 3) locatedadjacent to the respective side walls of said recess. A pair of punchedand stamped sheet metal members 21 and 28 are provided, said members-areshown being of identical form, and the same having perforated lower endportions 21*, 28 which are insertable downwardly through the respectiveopenings 25 and 26 and exposed below the lower surface of base I5 toprovide for attachment of circuit wires. Members 21 and 28 are providedwith straight upper edges 21, 28 and the opposite side edges of saidmembers are undercut to provide pairs of integral lugs 21, 21 and 28, 28which lugs are adapted to seat within the aforementioned 5 pairs ofnotches 2U, 22 and 23, 2d, whereby said upper edges 2?", 28 arepositioned substantially fiush with the upper surface of base in.

Members 2i and 23 are sheared downwardly from the upper edges thereof atspaced points, and the intermediate portions Ell 28 thus produced arebent or offset inwardly as shown. The upper edges of said offsetportions are preferably located substantially in the plane of said edges21 28 aforementioned, and said ofiset portions are notched as shown atEl 28 to provide open pivotal bearings. Said bearings El and 28 arerespectively adapted to receive the hook-shaped upper ends 2%, til of apair of flat punched sheet metal contactors 29 and 3d. Contactors 29 and30 are of identical form, and the same are like wise provided withhook-shaped lower ends 29* 30 By forming the contactors 29 and 3d asshown it will be apparent that either the upper or lower hooked endsthereof may be engaged with said open bearings-and this featurefacilitates the assembly of these switch parts. The lower ends 29 Sll ofthe contactors are adapted to be engaged by a molded insulating membertil which is recessed and grooved from the bottom surface and grooved inthe ends thereof, as best illustrated in Fig. 3, whereby said contactorsare insulated from each other and interlocked in a manner to insurejoint movement thereof to opposite extreme positions. The upper surfaceor" member 3i is provided with a substantially cylindrical boss orprojection fil to accommodate and position one end of a coiledcompression spring it! (Fig. 2). The opposite side walls of recess iiiare preferably recessed as shown at i6 and Ni to insure proper clearancefor the upper hooked ends of contactors 29 and 30.

Inasmuch as the switch illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 is of thesingle-circuit type only one pair of stationary contacts is required.Accordingly I have provided a pair of one-piece punched and stampedsheet metal members 32 and 33, the resilient contact portions 32 and 33-of which are adapted to extend downwardly into the main recess l6 at oneend of the latter. The intermediate portion of the bottom wall of recessI 6 is curved longitudinally (see Figs. 1 and 2) to provide clearancefor the contactors 29 and 30, and said bottom wall is offset downwardlyon opposite sides of said intermediate portion to provide clearance forthe lower ends of said contact por tions 32, 33

Said contact portions 32, 33* are of substantially inverted L-shape andthe short arms thereof are integrally connected with the terminalportions 32*, 33 at points below the upper ends of the latter, wherebysaid contact portions are free to flex laterally from and toward eachother as an incident to engagement therewith and disengagement therefromof the contactors 29 and 30. The terminal portions 32" and 33 areinsertable downwardly into the respective auxiliary recesses I! andlid-the relatively thin bottom walls of the latter being removed, as bybroaching, to permit passage of the perforated lower ends 32, 33 of saidterminal members to points below the lower surface of base l5. Saidlower ends of the terminal portions are preferably provided withoutwardly pressed beads or ribs 32 33 to strengthen the-same and toprovide for a close fit thereof within the openings in said bottomwalls.

The end wall of recess l6 adjacent to recesses I1 and I8 is providedwith notches I6 "i to accommodate said short arms of contact portions32, Etta-and the opposite walls of recesses I! and 118 are provided withgrooves ll N and i8, lil (which are alined with the respective notchesle lt to accommodate the relatively wide upper ends of terminal portions32 and Said relatively wide upper ends are preferably provided atopposite edges thereof with bosses or projections 132 33 (Figs. 1, 2,and 4) to provide for a close fit of said upper ends within the groovesl'l ii and it, lt

As best illustrated in Fig. 2, the arrangement is preferably such thatthe upper ends of the terininal portions 32 and 33 are positionedsubstantially flush with the upper surface of base l5. A flat punchedplate 36 of insulating material is adapted to overlie the members iii,2&3, 32 and 33 to retain the same in assembled relation to base [15. Ametal top plate 35 is superimposed upon plate Pith-said plate 35 havinga boss 35 which is provided with an opening to accommodate the reducedlower end of an externally threaded hollow metal bushing 36. Bushing 36is provided with an external key-way or groove 3&3 which is adapted tocooperate with a dial or indicating plate (not shown) to insure properpositioning of the latter. Moreover, the metal top plate 225 is providedwith an integral lug 35 to engage the side walls of groove 36 topositively insure against rotation of bushing 36 relatively to said topplate after upsetting or spinning the reduced lower end of said bushing,as shown at 36*.

Bushing 36 is provided intermediate its ends with an annular shoulder536 which acts as a bearing or socket for the enlargement 37f upon anactuating lever 3i. Bushing 36 is provided at its upper end with astraight-sided slot 36 which cooperates with the upper end portion 31 oflever 3? to assist in limiting the latter to oscillatory movement in asingle plane. Said upper end of lever 37 is provided with an annulargroove 31 into which the lower end portion of a recessed knob 38 isspun, as shown at 38 to secure said knob to said lever. The lower end oflever Bl is provided with a cylindrical recess 31 to accommodate aportion of the insulating pin 39. Pin 3d projects downwardly through astraight-sided slot M in plate 34 to further assist in limiting lever 3ito oscillation in a single plane. Spring 32 is provided at its upper endwith a metal. cup member 40 having a depression formed therein to act asa hearing or abutment for the rounded lower end of pin 39.

As best illustrated in Fig. 3 the contact portions 32*, 33 are locatedadjacent to the respective members 2'l' and 28, and accordingly I preferto provide a pair of relatively thin insulating plates ti and 42 ofsubstantially U-shape (Fig. 4). The arms of said U-shaped plates extendupwardly (Fig. 2) to a point substantially flush with the upper surfaceof base I5, whereby upward displacement thereof is pr vented by plate34. As shown in Fig. 3 the contact portions 32 and 33 will act toprevent substantial lateral displacement of plates 4| and 42.

Base l5 and plates 34 and 35 are provided with pairs of registeringopenings to accommodate a pair of fastening members, such as rivets, oneof which is shown at 23 in Fig. 2 with its hollow upper end upset overmetal top plate 35 to secure the various parts of the switch inassembled relation. Base i5 is preferably provided at the bottom of itsside walls with openings I52 l5 (registering with the bottom wallopenings 25, 26) to accommodate the integral lugs formed at LII thelower ends of the contactor supporting and wiring terminal members ofthe character shown in Fig. 5.

The operation of the double-pole, single-circuit switch of Figs. 1 to 4is believed to be apparent. Thus upon movement of knob 38 of lever 3'!toward its extreme right-hand position (Fig. 2) the contactors 29 and 30are snapped into engagement with the respective contact portions 32 33to complete both branches or legs of the cont-rolled circuit. Uponmovement of knob 38 toward its extreme left-hand position contactors 29and 30 are moved jointly with a snap action to interrupt both branchesof the controlled circuit. Manifestly, however, the switch shown inFigs. 1 to 4, may be wired to provide for joint control of two circuits.Thus by connecting the terminals of one circuit to members 21 and 32 andby connecting the terminals of another circuit to members 28 and 33, thecontactors 29 and 39 will be moved in the manner aforedescribed tojointly complete or jointly interrupt the controlled circuits.

Although I have shown the switch of Figs. 1 to 4 as provided withbottom-wiring terminal elements, it is to be understood that the base I5is so constructed as to accommodate terminal elements of the characterhereinafter described to provide for concealed wiring of the stationarycontacts (lead-wire type) or to provide for end wiring of said switchcontacts. The pairs of grooves |5, l5 and I5 [5 opening to opposite endsof base I5 are provided for such purposes. Where end wiring or concealedwiring of the switch contacts is contemplated the bottom walls of thefour auxiliary recesses are left intact, as indicated in Figs. 5, 6, and10. Also while I have shown the switch of Fig. 2 as provided with arelatively long bushing and an actuating lever of corresponding lengthit is to be understood that a relatively short bushing and lever such asshown in Fig. 5 may alternatively be employed.

The two-circuit, double-pole switch illustrated in Figs. 5 and 10 is ingeneral quite similar to the switch aforedescribed, and certain of theparts aforcdescribed may be utilized,said parts having been given likecharacters of reference in the several figures. Thus the base l5 may beidentical with the base aforedescribed, except that the relatively thinbottom walls of the four auxil ary recesses are left intact,certain ofsaid bottom walls being shown at 44, 45 and 46 in Figs. 5 and 10. Twopairs of contact and terminal members, like the members 32 and 33 inFig. 1, are employed in the device of Figs. 5 and l0,-said pairs beingreversely arranged at opposite ends of the base 15, as indicated by thereference nu merals. In Figs. 5 and 10 the lower ends of the wiringterminal portions of members 32 and 33 are cut off or shortened asillustrated to provide for accommodation thereof entirely within therespective auxiliary recesses.

In order to providefor end wiring of the Sta-- tionary contacts I preferto employ two pairs of punched sheet metal members 41, 48, said membersbeing spot-welded or otherwise mechanically and electrically connectedto the pairs of members 32 and 33, as indicated at 49 and 50 in Fig. 5.Members 41 and 48 are provided with binding screws 5| exposed in pairsat opposite ends of base I5. The shanks of the binding screws areinsulated from each other by means of members (one of which is shown at52 at the lefthand side of Fig. 5) of the character described in detailin my Patent No. 1,998,962, dated April 23, 1935.

In the device of Fig. 5 I employ a like pair of punched and stampedsheet metal members,- one of which is shown at 53. The portions ofmembers 53 located within recess I6 are identical with the correspondingportions of members 21 and 28 aforedescribed. The exposed lower endportions 53 of members 53 are made relatively longer and wider thanthose portions of members 21 and 28 and said lower end portions arepreferably provided with outwardly extending lugs, as shown at 53*, toact as guards for the circuit wires which are attached as by means ofbinding screws, one of which is shown at 54. The side openings l5 and 15in base l5 (Fig. 3) provide clearance for the lugs 53 on members 53(Fig. 5).

The movable contactors 29 and 3G aforedescribed are employed in thedevice of Fig. 5, and said contactors may be .assembled in the mannerillustrated in Figs-2 to 4, or said contactors may be rigidly connectedas by molding about the lower end portions thereof a body of insulation,as shown at 55 in Fig. 8. The arrangement illustrated in Fig. 8 has theadvantage of minimixing the number of separate parts of the switch,whereby the assembling operation is facilitated. Moreover, by rigidlyuniting the contactors in the manner illustrated in Fig. 8 I in sureagainst any possibility of lost motion thereof relatively to each otherduring the circuitmaking or circuit-breaking operations.

In Fig. 5 I have shown a relatively short externally threaded bushing 56having an actuating lever 51 pivotally supported therewithin as by meansof a transverse pin 58,--it being understood that lever 51 is recessedat its lower end to accommodate an insulating pin of the character shownat 39 in Fig. 2. When end-wiring terminal members of the characterillustrated in Figs. 5 and .10 are employed I prefer to provide acorresponding number of rectangular insulating members, two of which areshown at 59 and 60 in Fig. 10,said insulating members being interposedbetween the terminal members and the outer walls of the respectiveauxiliary recesses to back up or assist in restraining the formeragainst lateral movement, and to insure that the connections betweensaid wiring terminal members and the respective members -32 and 33 areprotected against bending strains.

As aforestated the switch of Fig. 5 is of the two-circuit, double-poletype, and accordingly the same functions in an obvious manner to providefor electrical connection of both legs or branches of one circuit andinterruption of the current flow through both legs or branches ofanother circuit upon joint movement of the pair of contactors from eachextreme position thereof to the other,the bottom wiring terminalelements of the pivotal supports for the contactors respectively beingcommon to one leg or branch of each of said circuits.

The switch illustrated in Fig. 6 is functionally like that illustratedin Fig. 5. In Fig. 6, however, the two pairs of combined stationarycontact and terminal members 32. 33, having the wiring terminal portionsthereof clipped or shortened for concealment thereof entirely within therespective auxiliary recesses, have attached to the outer surfacesthereof, as by welding, brazing or soldering, the bated ends of acorresponding number of lead wires of the desired length. Two of saidlead wires are shown at GI and 62,the

bared end iii of lead wire El being shown in dotted lines as welded tothe outer surface of terminal portion 33 The contactor supporting andwiring terminal members are identical with those elements describedinconnection with Figs. 1 to l,one of said members being shown at 28 inFig. 6. The unit comprising contactors 29, 3B and the molded insulatingbody is like that shown in Fig. 8. The bushing, of which a fragment isshown at may be of the relatively long form shown in Fig. 2, or of theshort form shown in Fig. 5, and the actuating lever (not shown) will beof a size and form corresponding to the type of bushing employed. Theother elements of the switch of Fig. 6 which correspond with the partsaforedescribed have been given like numerals of reference.

Alead wire 64 is shown as having its bared end 64 spot-welded to theinner surface of the wiring terminal portion 28 of member 28,'it beingunderstood that the bared end of another lead wire (not shown) will besimilarly electrically connected with the other member like that shownat 2? in Fig. 4. In order to conceal the connections just mentioned Iprefer to employ a molded insulating cover member of the character shownat 65 in Figs. 6 and 7. Member 85 is provided with a pair of spaceddepressions or recesses 65 and 65 of a depth to accommodate the lowerends of members 2i and 28,said recesses having grooves 65 and 65 leadingtherefrom toward one end of member 55 to accommodate the pair of leadwires. Member 65 is provided at opposite ends thereof with openings orpassages 65 65 which register with the openings in base i5 and plates 34and 235; and a pair of rivets 66 and 61 of the required length areemployed to secure said parts in assembled relation.

In Fig. 9 I have shown a modified form of contactor support and wiringterminal member 58, the main body portion of which is preferablyidentical with the parts aforedescribed. In Fig. 9, however, said mainbody portion is of such vertical length as to fit entirely within therecess H3 in base 55, and the same has formed integrally with one endthereof a wiring terminal portion 68 to adapt a switch employing thesame to end wiring of said parts. Said end portion 68 is offset inwardlyfrom the plane of the main body portion of member 58, as indicated at68', and the same is tapped at 68 to receive the shank of a bindingscrew (not shown).

It is to be understood that a pair of righthand and left-hand members ofthe character shown at 68 will be employed,and that an insulating memberlike that shown at 52 in Fig. 5 may be employed to receive and insulatethe shanks of the binding screws. Members of the character illustratedin Fig. 9 will of course be employed in conjunction with base I5 only inconstructing a double-pole switch of the single-circuit controllingtype,a pair of stationary contact and terminal members of any of thetypes shown in the other figures being utilized in such construction.

In Figs. 11 and 12 I have shown a modified form of combined contact andterminal member 69 which is in general like that shown at 32 and 33 inFigs. 5 and 6. However, member 69 is provided with a pair of circularopenings 69, 69 which are adapted to receive the cylindrical extrusions10* and 10 formed upon the end-wiring terminal member I0, and the hollowouter ends of said extrusions are upset over the member 68, as shown inFig. 12, to mechanically and electrically connect said parts to eachother.

not 1,293

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulation basehaving a recess opening to the upper surface thereof, a pair of punchedsheet metal members having straight upper edges, said members beingfreely insertable into said recess in planes adjacent to the respectiveside walls of the latter, said members having bearings formed thereinand arranged in alinement with each other, said members also havingwiring terminal portions formed integrally therewith and arranged forexposure thereof exteriorly of said base, a pair of contactors adaptedfor engagement with the respective bearings; means comprising aninsulating member for maintaining said contactors in spaced andinsulated relationship to each other and to insure joint oscillatorymovement thereof to opposite extreme positions, a pair of spacedcontacts located within said recess at one end of the latter, saidcontacts having elements associated therewith to provide for attachmentof circuit wires, a flat punched plate of insulating material overlyingthe upper surface of said base and adapted to retain said sheet metalmembers and said contacts in assembled position, a lever pivotallysupported relatively to said insulating base, said plate having anopening formed therein to provide clearance for a part of said lever,and a coiled spring interposed between said part of said lever and saidinsulating member, said spring being adapted to eifect snap movements ofsaid contactors into and out of engagemerit with the respective contactsupon corresponding movements of said lever toward opposite extremepositions thereof.

2. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating basehaving a recess opening to the upper surface thereof, a pair of punchedsheet metal members having straight upper edges, said members beingfreely insertable into said recess in planes adjacent to the respectiveside walls of the latter, said base and said members having cooperatingshoulders formed integrally therewith to provide for positioning of saidupper edges in a substantially flush relation to the upper surface ofsaid base and to insure against lateral displacement of said membersrelatively to each other, said members having open pivotal bearingsformed therein and arranged in alinement with each other, said membersalso having wiring terminal portions formed integrally therewith andarranged for exposure thereof exteriorly of said base, a pair of sheetmetal contactors adapted for engagement with the respective bearings,means comprising an insulating member for maintaining said contactors inspaced and insulated relationship to each other and to insure jointoscillatory movement thereof to opposite extreme positions, a pair ofspaced contacts located within said recess at one end of the latter,said contacts having elements associated therewith to provide forattachment of circuit wires, 9. flat punched plate of insulatingmaterial overlying the upper surface of said base and adapted to retainsaid sheet metal members and said contacts in assembled position, alever pivotally supported relatively to said insulating base, said platehaving an opening formed therein to provide clearance for a part of saidlever, and a coiled spring interposed between said part of said leverand said insulating member, said spring being adapted to effect snapmovements of said contactors into and out of engagement with therespective contacts upon corresponding movements of said lever towardopposite extreme positions thereof.

3. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating basehaving a recess opening to the upper surface thereof, a pair of punchedsheet metal members having straight upper edges, said members beingfreely insertable into said recess in planes parallel to each other,said base and said members having cooperating shoulders formedintegrally therewith to provide for positioning of said upper edges in asubstantially flush relation to the upper surface of said base and toinsure against lateral displacement of said members relatively to eachother, said members having bearings formed therein and arranged inalinement with each other, said membersalso having wiring terminalportions formed integrally therewith and arranged for exposure thereofexteriorly of said base, a pair of contactors adapted for engagementwith the respective bearings, means comprising an insulating member formaintaining said contactors in spaced and insulated relationship to eachother and to insure joint oscillatory movement thereof to oppositeextreme positions, four resilient contacts located within said recessand arranged in spaced pairs at opposite ends of the latter, saidcontacts having wiring terminal elements associated therewith, saidwiring terminal elements having portions thereof arranged insubstantially flush relationship with the upper surface of said base, aflat punched plate of insulating material secured flatwise to the uppersurface of said base and adapted to retain said sheet metal members andsaid contacts in assembled position, a lever pivotally supportedrelatively to said base, said lever having an abutment element extendingdownwardly into said recess, said insulating plate having an openingformed therein to provide clearance for said abutment, and a coiledcompression spring interposed between said abutment and said insulatingmember to provide for snap movement of said contactors into engagementwith said pairs of contacts alternately upon oscillatory movement ofsaid lever toward opposite extreme positions respectively.

4. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating basehaving a recess opening to the upper surface thereof, said recess havingopenings formed in the bottom wall thereof at points adjacent to theopposite side walls thereof respectively, the end walls of said recesshaving pairs of notches formed therein, the notches of the respectivepairs being alined with each other longitudinally of said base, a pairof punched sheet metal members freely insertable into said recess, saidmembers having end portions adapted to project downwardly through therespective openings aforementioned, said members also having lugs formedthereon and adapted to seat within the respective pairs of notcheswhereby said members are positioned with their upper edges substantiallyfiush with the upper surface of said base, the downwardly projecting endportions of said members being exposed below the lower surface of saidbase to provide for attachment of circuit wires thereto, the upper edgesof said members being provided with open pivotal bearings, a pair offiat punched sheet metal contactors eachhaving pivotal engagement withone of said bearings, a molded insulating member attached to the freeends of said contactors and adapted to provide for joint movementthereof, a pair of spaced contacts located within said recess at one endof the latter, a coiled compression spring having one end thereof inabutting engagement with said insulating member, a cupped member carriedby the other end of said a flat punched plate of insulating materialoverlying the upper surface of said base and adapted to retain saidsheet metal members and said contacts in assembled position, said platehaving a relatively narrow slot extending longitudinally thereof, alever pivotally supported relatively to said insulating case, and aninsulating pin carried by said lever and extending downwardly therefromthrough the slot aforementioned, said pin being in engagement with saidcupped member, whereby said contactors are moved jointly with a snapaction into and out of engagement with said contacts upon correspondingmovements of said lever to opposite extreme positions.

5. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating basehaving a main recess opening to the upper surface thereof, said recesshaving a pair of substantially rectangular openings formed in the bottomwall thereof at points adjacent to the opposite side walls thereofrespectively, the end walls of said recess having pairs of notchesformed therein, the notches of the respective pairs being alined witheach other 1ongitudinally of said base, a pair of punched and stampedsheet metal members freely insertable into said recess, said membershaving end portions adapted to project downwardly through the respectiveopenings aforementioned and said end portions being exposed below thelower surface of said base to provide for attachment of circuit wiresthereto, said members also having lugs formed thereon adjacent to theupper edges thereof, said lugs being adapted to seat within therespective pairs of notches whereby said members are positioned withtheir upper edges substantially flush with the upper surface of saidbase, the upper end of each of said members having an intermediateportion thereof sheared and bent to provide an inwardly offset lug, therespective inwardly offset lugs having bearing notches formed therein, apair of flat punched sheet metal contactors each having a hooked endadapted for pivotal engagement with the bearing notch in one of saidinwardly offset lugs, each of said contactors also having another endportion of hook form, a molded insulating member recessed in its bottomsurface and in its side edges to accommodate the last mentioned endportions of said contactors, whereby the latter are insulated from butinterlocked for movement jointly with each other, a spring abutmentformed integrally with said insulating member at the upper surfacethereof, said insulating base having an auxiliary recess formed at eachof the four corners thereof, said main recess having notches formed inthe end walls thereof to provide for communication with said auxiliaryrecesses, four punched and stamped sheet metal contact and terminalmembers, the resilient contact portions of said members being arrangedin pairs at opposite ends of said main recess, and the terminal portionsof said members being respectively positioned within said auxiliaryrecesses, a flat punched plate of insulating material adapted to overliethe upper surface of said base whereby said first mentioned and lastmentioned sheet metal members are retained in position, said platehaving a longitudinally extending slot formed therein, an actuatinglever having a pivotal support above said insulating base, an insulatingpin carried by said lever and extending through the slot aforementioned,and a coiled compression spring interposed between the lower end of saidpin and said abutment, said spring providing for snap movements of saidcontactors ing pairs of notches formed therein, the notches of therespective pairs being alined with each other longitudinally of saidbase, a pair of punched and stamped sheet metal members freelyinsertable into said recess, said members having end portions adapted toproject downwardly through the respective openings aforementioned andsaid end portions being exposed below the lower surface of said base toprovide for attachment of circuit wires thereto, said members alsohaving lugs formed thereon adjacent to the upper edges thereof, saidlugs being adapted to seat within the respective pairs of notcheswhereby said members are positioned with their upper edges substantiallyflush with the upper surface of said base, the upper end of each of saidmembers having an intermediate portion thereof sheared and bent toprovide an inwardly offset lug, the respective inwardly offset lugshaving bearing notches formed therein, a pair of fiat punched sheetmetal contactors each having a hooked end adapted for pivotal engagementwith the bearing notch in one of said inwardly offset lugs, each of saidcontactors also having another end portion of hook form, a moldedinsulating member recessed in its bottom surface and in its side edgesto accommodate the last mentioned end portions of said contactors,whereby the latter are insulated from but interlocked for movementjointly with each other, a spring abutment formed integrally with saidinsulating member at the upper surface thereof, said insulating basehaving an auxiliary recess formed at each of the four corners thereof,said main recess having notches formed in the end walls thereof toprovide for communication with said auxiliary recesses, four punched andstamped sheet metal contact and terminal members, the resilient contactportions of said members being arranged in pairs at opposite ends ofsaid main recess, and the terminal portions of said members beingrespectively positioned within said auxiliary recesses, a fiat punchedplate of insulating material adapted to overlie the upper surface ofsaid base whereby said first mentioned and last mentioned sheet metalmembers are retained in position, said plate having a longitudinallyextending slot formed therein, an actuating lever having a pivotalsupport above said insulating base, an insulating pin carried by saidlever and extending through the slot aforementioned, a coiledcompression spring interposed between the lower end of said pin and saidabutment, said spring providing for snap movements of said contactors toopposite extreme positions into and out of engagement with therespective pairs of resilient contact portions upon correspondingoscillatory movements of said lever, a molded irisulating member adaptedto underlie said insulating base, said member being recessed to acaoi1,293

commodate the downwardly projecting end portions of said first mentionedsheet metal members and the circuit wires attached thereto, a metal topplate superimposed upon the insulating plate aforementioned, and a pairof fastening members extending through said last mentioned moldedinsulating member, said base, said in sulating plate and said top platewhereby all of said parts are retained in assembled relation.

'7. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating basehaving a main recess of substantially rectangular contour opening to theupper surface thereof, the bottom wall of said recess having a pair ofsubstantially rectangular openings formed therein in planessubstantially flush with the respective side walls thereof, the oppositeend walls of said recess having pairs of alined notches formed thereinat the points of junction thereof with said side walls, a pair ofpunched and stamped sheet metal members hav ing straight upper edges,said members having downwardly facing shoulders formed at opposite sideedges thereof, said shoulders being adapted to seat within said pairs ofnotches whereby said upper edges are located substantially flush withthe upper surface of said base, said members also having lower endportions of reduced width which are adapted to penetrate the openingsaforementioned, said lower end portions being exposed be low the lowersurface of said base and the same having openings formed therein toprovide for attachment of circuit wires, a pair of contactorsrespectively adapted to engage in the bearings aforementioned, meansincluding an insulating member for retaining said contactors in spacedand insulated relationship to each other and for insuring movementthereof jointly to opposite extreme positions, a coiled compressionspring having one end thereof engaged with said insulating member, alever pivotally supported above said base, on insulating element carriedby the lower end of said lever and engaged with the other end of saidspring, said insulating base having a pair of auxiliary recesses locatedat one end thereof, said auxiliary recesses having relatively narrowopenings formed therein at the lower ends there'- of respectively, apair of one-piece combined contact and terminal members, said membershaving the contact portions thereof located within said main recess atthe aforementioned end thereof and having the terminal portions thereoflocated within said auxiliary recesses, the lower ends of said terminalportions extending through said relatively narrow openings and beingexposed below the lower surface of said base to provide for attachmentof circuit wires thereto, and a flat punched plate of insulatingmaterial secured to the upper surface of said base and overlying saidsheet metal members and said contact and terminal members to retain thesame in assembled relationito said base.

8. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating baseof substantially rectangular contour, said base having a substantiallyrectangular main recess, said base also having a relatively smallerrecess at one corner thereof,

said recesses opening to the upper surface of said' base and having avertical wall formed therebetween, said wall having a relatively narrownotch formed therein at the upper edge thereof, said relatively smallerrecess having a pair of grooves formed in opposite walls thereof inalinement with said notch, a one-piece'combined contact and wiringterminal member formed of resilient sheet metal, the wiring terminalportion of said member being insertable within said relatively smallerrecess, said wiring terminal portion having an area of relativelygreater width adjacent to the upper end thereof to provide for receptionthereof within said grooves, said area of relatively greater width beingprovided with bosses adjacent to its side edges to insure a close fitthereof within said grooves, the upper end of said terminal portionbeing located in a plane substantially flush with the upper surface ofsaid base, the contact portion of said member being of substantiallyinverted L-shape and having the short arm thereof extending laterallyfrom a side edge of said terminal portion at a point below the upper endof the latter, said arm being accommodated by the notch aforementioned,the long arm of said contact portion extending downwardly into said mainrecess in a plane substantially parallel to said terminal portion, thebottom wall of said main recess having a vertical shoulder formedthereon to be engaged by the lower end of said long arm whereby thelatter is retained in position under a predetermined degree of tension,and an insulating cover member secured to the upper surface of said baseand overlying said combined contact and wiring terminal member to retainthe latter in assembled position.

9. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating basehaving a main recess, said base also having a pair of auxiliary recessesat one end thereof, all of said recesses opening to the upper surface ofsaid base, said auxiliary recesses being spaced from said main recess byan end wall of the latter, a pair of punched sheet metal members havingstraight upper edges, said members being freely insertable into saidmain recess in planes adjacent to the respective side Walls of thelatter, the opposite end walls of said recess having notches formedtherein and alined in pairs longitudinally of said base, said membershaving lugs formed thereon to respectively seat within said pairs ofnotches to provide for positioning of said upper edges in asubstantially flush relation to the upper surface of said base and toinsure against lateral displacement of said members relatively to eachother, said members having open pivotal bearings formed therein andarranged in alinement with each other, said members also having wiringterminal portions formed integrally therewith and arranged for exposurethereof exteriorly of said base, a pair of metal contactors adapted forengagement with the respective bearings, means for insulating saidcontactors from each other and for insuring movement thereof jointly toopposite extreme positions, a pair of combinedcontaet and terminalmembers, the contact portions of said members being located within saidmain recess and the terminal portions thereof being located within therespective auxiliary recesses, said contact portions having their lowerends located adjacent to said sheet metal members first mentioned, apair of relatively thin insulating plates interposed between saidcontact portions and said sheet metal members to insure againstengagement thereof with each other, and a flat plate of insulatingmaterial secured to the upper surface of said base and overlying saidsheet metal members and said combined contact and terminal members toretain the same in assembled position.

10. As an article of manufacture, a combined contactor support andwiring terminal member for electric snap switches of the toggle type,said member comprising a relatively thick and substantiallynon-resilient punched and stamped sheet metal member having a main bodyportion adapted for insertion edgewise into a suitably recessed moldedinsulating base, said main body portion having a straight upper edge tobe engaged by the flat insulating cover member of said base, said upperedge having an open bearing formed therein to provide a support for anoscillatable contactor, said main body portion also having downwardlyfacing shoulders formed thereon adjacent to said upper edge to providefor positioning thereof with respect to the base, and said main bodyportion having a wiring terminal portion formed integrally therewith andarranged for exposure thereof exteriorly of said base.

11. As an article of manufacture, a one-piece combined contactor supportand wiring terminal member for electric snap switches of the toggletype, said member consisting of a substantially rigid punched andstamped sheet metal member having a main body portion adapted forinsertion edgewise into a suitably recessed molded insulating base, saidmain body portion having a straight upper edge to be engaged by the flatinsulating cover member of said base, said upper edge having a portionthereof offset laterally and provided with an open pivotal bearing forthe purpose set forth, said main body portion being undercut at oppositeside edges thereof whereby positioning lugs are provided at oppositesides of the upper end thereof, and said main body portion having aperforated lower end portion of reduced Width to provide for attachmentof a circuit wire thereto.

12. As an article of manufacture, a contactor unit for electric snapswitches of the double-pole type, said unit comprising a pair of metalcontactors, said contactors having pivot lugs formed integrallytherewith at the upper ends thereof respectively, and a body ofinsulation molded about the lower ends of said contactors, said body ofinsulation being adapted to retain said contactors in fixed andinsulated relationship to each other and to insure joint movementthereof to opposite extreme positions, said body of insulation having anabutment formed on the upper surface thereof for cooperation with asuitable actuating spring;

13. As an article of manufacture, a contactor unit for electric snapswitches of the double-pole type, said unit comprising a pair of flatpunched sheet metal contactors of identical form each of said contactorshaving a straight body portionv and end portions extending laterally inopposite directions relative to each other and then inwardly in parallelrelation to said body portion, said contactors being arranged witheither pair of the ends thereof extending inwardly toward but spacedfrom each other and with the other pair of ends extending outwardly toprovide for pivotal and electrical connection thereof with suitablesupports, a body of insulation molded about the adjacent end portions ofsaid pair of contactors and about the inner edges of said straight bodyportions at the lower ends of the latter, the outer edges of saidstraight body portions being adapted for engagement with resilientstationary contacts of suitable form, and the upper surface of saidinsulating body having a substantially cylindrical abutment formedthereon to accommodate the end of a coiled compression spring.

14. As an article of manufacture, a flat punched sheet metal contactorfor electric snap switches, the material of said contactor being ofsubstan- 8 amigos tially equal width throughout its length, saidcontactor having a main body portion with parallel vertical edges,either of said edges being adapted for engagement with a resilientstationary contact of suitable form, the ends of said contactor havingportions thereof respectively extending in opposite direetions at rightangles to said main body portion and said ends having other portions extending inwardly toward opposite ends of said main body portion inparallel relationship to the latter, whereby reversely extending hooksare provided, either of said hooks being adapted for pivotal engagementwith a suitable support, and the other of said hooks being adapted fordriving engagement thereof by an insulating actuating element ofsuitable form.

ALWN W. KRIEGER.

